Description
Tender, juicy homemade meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce. These are perfect for pasta night, sandwiches, or serving as an appetizer. Easy to make, freezer-friendly, and absolutely delicious every time.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
½ lb Italian sausage (optional)
¾ cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ medium onion, finely chopped
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or 3 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil (if pan-searing)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare all ingredients by chopping and measuring.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, sausage (if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, onion, milk, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix gently using hands or a spoon until ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Form meatballs, using about 2 tablespoons of mixture each. Roll into balls and place on a parchment-lined tray.
5. Optional: Brown meatballs in a skillet with olive oil until golden, or bake them for 15–20 minutes.
6. Transfer browned meatballs into a pot with crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce. Simmer on low for 30–40 minutes.
7. Serve hot with pasta, crusty bread, or in subs. Garnish with more Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
Don’t skip the milk—it hydrates the breadcrumbs and keeps your meatballs super tender.
For the best flavor, sear meatballs before simmering—even if you finish them in sauce.
Want to freeze? Shape the raw meatballs, freeze them on a tray, then store in a bag. Cook from frozen when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: homemade meatballs, beef meatballs, Italian dinner